For this task, I am required to break down the content of my characters script.
This will help me establish the character, their backstory, and identify visual elements I will need to use when portraying this character through my makeup designs.
I have chosen to focus on the character Lock, from boogies boys.
Boogie boys are used as secondary antagonists throughout the film, A nightmare before christmas.
Oogie Boogie is a villain who spent years terrorising Halloween town, before he was banished, and locked away in a hut outside the town.
He uses the trio, Lock, Shock and Barrel, to ensure his legacy is never forgotten.
They trio are used as henchmen, and sneak around behind the backs of villagers to help Oogie Boogie keep terrorising the village, even when he’s locked away.
There are many fan theories suggesting that the troublesome trio are all children that have died on Halloween night.
For example; it is believed that Lock froze to death after being locked out of his house when returning from trick-or-treating.
His pale face and blue lips are what suggest he froze to death, as he does very much look like a victim of hypothermia.
The idea that these children die on halloween come from the fact that they are all in costumes.
You know that these are costumes, and not just their appearances from the masks that they wear.
Personally, I think that the masks play an extremely important part of portraying these characters.
Lock, Shock and Barrel are all clearly children in the movie, shown by their height and the way that they are spoken to by the other villages.
Therefore, when they are first seen the audience may think they will be sweet and innocent characters, however they are far from it.
The masks help represent that these characters are hiding something, and that all is not as it seems.
Furthermore, the fact that the masks are of halloween characters (the devil, a witch and a skeleton) further suggests that whatever it is they are hiding is negative.
Lock very much antagonises Shock and Barrel, especially when they prove him wrong.
Shock is the oldest of the group, shown by her height and characteristics, however, Lock definitely likes to try his luck by thinking he is in charge.
Lock likes to be the confident and outgoing one of the group, which mostly ends up landing him in trouble.
Script breakdown:
Section 1
MAYOR
[switches face]
Oh, how jolly our Christmas will be. [gets pelted] What are you doing here?
– This shows that the trio find it funny to terrorise the people, as they are causing trouble from the moment they are introduced.
LOCK
Jack sent for us.
– Immediately Lock seems to be trying to prove a point, and comes across over confident.
SHOCK
Specifically.
BARREL
By name.
LOCK
Lock
– Lock formally introduces himself for the first time, putting a name to the face for the audience.
SHOCK
Shock
BARREL
Barrel
MAYOR
Jack, Jack it’s Oogie’s boys!
JACK
Ah, Halloween’s finest trick or treaters. The job I have for you is top secret. It requires craft, cunning, and mischief.
– This implies that Jack has called upon Boogies Boys to carry out his dirty work, while keeping a clear conscience.
SHOCK
And we thought you didn’t like us, Jack.
[giggles]
– Implies that Jack usually acts as if he doesn’t like the trio
JACK
Absolutely no one knows about it. Not a soul. Now–
[whispers to LS&B]
And one more thing — leave that no account Oogie Boogie out of this!
-This strengthens the idea that Jack is using the trio for no good, as he re-iterates that not a soul is to know about what he asks them to do.
BARREL
Whatever you say, Jack.
SHOCK
Of course Jack.
LOCK
Wouldn’t dream of it, Jack.
[all said with their fingers crossed]
-This proves that the trio are sneaky, and implies that they will NOT leave Oogie Boogie out of this. Therefore, implying something bad is bound to happen. It also shows the trio are loyal and willing to lie for Oogie.
Kidnap the Sandy Claws
Performed by Paul Reubens, Catherine O’Hara, and Danny Elfman
LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws
LOCK
I wanna do it
– Another example of Lock being over confident, and bossy towards the others
BARREL
Let’s draw straws
SHOCK
Jack said we should work together, Three of a kind
LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Birds of a feather, Now and forever
-Shows even though they play games on the villagers, they know they always have each other.
Wheeee, La, la, la, la, la
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight, throw away the key and then turn off all the lights
SHOCK
First, we’re going to set some bait, Inside a nasty trap and wait
When he comes a-sniffing we will Snap the trap and close the gate
LOCK
Wait! I’ve got a better plan To catch this big red lobster man
Let’s pop him in a boiling pot And when he’s done we’ll butter him up
– Supports the malicious personality, proves the trio haven’t listened to Jack’s instructions.
LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Kidnap the Sandy Claws Throw him in a box
Bury him for ninety years then see if he talks
SHOCK
Then Mr. Oogie Boogie Man Can take the whole thing over then
He’ll be so pleased, I do declare That he will cook him rare
LOCK,SHOCK, AND BARREL
Wheeee
LOCK
I say that we take a cannon Aim it at his door
And then knock three times And when he answers
Sandy Claws will be no more
SHOCK
You’re so stupid, think now, lf we blow him up to smithereens
We may lose some pieces And then Jack will beat us black and green
– Shock trying to talk sense into Lock, reminding him of Jack’s wishes, and warnings.
LOCK,SHOCK, AND BARREL
Kidnap the Sandy Claws Tie him in a bag
Throw him in the ocean Then, see if he is sad
LOCK AND SHOCK
Because Mr. Oogie Boogie is the meanest guy around
If I were on his Boogie list, I’d get out of town
– Suggests the trio work for Oogie Boogie, because they are scared of him. They believe working for him gives them immunity from his terror.
BARREL
He’ll be so pleased by our success that he’ll reward us too, I’ll bet
LOCK, SHOCK, ND BARREL
Perhaps he’ll make his special brew of snake and spider stew
Ummm!
We’re his little henchmen and we take our job with pride
We do our best to please him and stay on his good side
– Further supports the idea that the trio are scared of what might happen to them if they don’t work for Oogie.
SHOCK
I wish my cohorts weren’t so dumb
BARREL
I’m not the dumb one
LOCK
You’re no fun
-Shows lock testing his luck with Shock (the oldest), when she is trying to keep them out of trouble. Also suggests he is the main instigator.
SHOCK
Shut up
LOCK
Make me
– Lock is back-talking Shock, this may suggest lack of respect for those older and in charge. It could also suggest Lock thinks he is better, or deserves to be in charge.
SHOCK
I’ve got something, listen now this one is real good, you’ll see
We’ll send a present to his door upon there’ll be a note to read
Now, in the box we’ll wait and hide until his curiosity entices him to look inside
BARREL
And then we’ll have him, One, two, three
LOCK, SHOCK, AND BARREL
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, beat him with a stick, lock him up for ninety years, see what makes him tick
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, chop him into bits, Mr. Oogie Boogie is sure to get his kicks
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, see what we will see lock him in a cage and then, throw away the key
OOGIE BOOGIE
Sandy Claws..hahaha
Section 2
LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL
Jack, Jack we caught him we caught him.
– Boogie boys sound excited, and proud of themselves.
JACK
Perfect! Open it up. Quickly!
[opens to reveal the Easter bunny]
– They have made a mistake, further proving that they are not great listeners
JACK
That’s not Sandy Claws!
SHOCK
It isn’t?
BARREL
Who is it?
BEHEMOTH
Bunny!
JACK
Not Sandy Claws…take him back!
LOCK
We followed your instructions
-Another example of Lock talking back, trying to prove he is right, when he clearly has made a very big mistake, rather than owning up to it.
BARREL
we went through the door–
JACK
Which door? There’s more than one. Sandy Claws is behind the door shaped like this.
[shows Xmas cookie in shape of tree]
SHOCK
I told you!
[LS&B start fighting]
– Lock hates the fact that shock is right, and he was wrong.
JACK
Arr!! [making scary face at LS&B]
JACK
I’m very sorry for the inconvenience, sir. Take him home first and apologize again. Be careful with Sandy Claws when you fetch him. Treat him nicely.
– Jack re-iterates that he wants Sandy Claws treated nicely.
LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL
Got it. We’ll get it right next time.
Section 3
LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL
Jack, Jack this time we bagged him!
LOCK
This time we really did!
– Lock is immediately shown trying to prove himself, after making a mistake. This supports the idea that Lock thinks be is smarter than the rest.
BARREL
He sure is big Jack!
SHOCK
And heavy!
SANDY CLAWS
Let me out!
JACK
Sandy Claws in person. What a pleasure to meet you. Why you have hands! You don’t have claws at all.
SANDY CLAWS
Where am I?
Section 4
BARREL
Where are we taking him?
SALLY
Where?
LOCK
To Oogie boogie, of course. There isn’t anywhere in the whole world more comfortable than that and Jack said to make him comfortable. Didn’t he?
– Lock is doing exactly what he was told not to do, and convinces the others by justifying his actions with excuses, and by twisting what Jack said.
SHOCK & BARREL
Yes he did.
SANDY CLAWS
Haven’t you heard of peace on earth and good will toward men?
LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL
No!
– sounds as if the trio are annoyed that Sandy claws interrupted them.
Section 5
LOCK, SHOCK & BARREL
[laughing]
SANDY CLAWS
Don’t do this. Naughty children never get any presents.
SHOCK
I think he might be too big.
LOCK
No he’s not. If he can go down a chimney, he can fit down here!
[in Oogie’s lair]
– Lock will do anything to ensure Sandy Claws gets to Oogie Boogie’s Lair, regardless of what anyone else has to say
Section 6
BARREL
Here he is!
LOCK
Alive!
– Towards the end of the movie, when Sandy Claws is retrieved from Oogie Boogie’s Lair, Lock tries to act innocent towards jack.
SHOCK
Just like we said.
Makeup Designs
Below are photos of my hair and makeup designs, from my initial to final design.
First design – Lock
Here is the first design I created. This is a basic representation of the character Lock, when he has no mask on.
I chose to use the same colours as his face in the film, to create a simple replica of the character.
Second design – Lock’s mask
For this design, I chose to create Locks mask.
This design is also a close copy of the mask from the film, I have just added some extra shading and details in to my design so it doesn’t look too plain.
Third design – Split face
I decided that I wanted to create a look that combined Lock’s face with his mask.
I think that the mask is an extremely part of this character as it helps show the audience that he could be hiding something.
Therefore, I felt it was important to convey this in my look.
In this design I have created a split face, half lock and half his mask.
Fourth (Final) Design – Masking
This is the design I have decided to create for my final piece.
I prefer this design to the split face as I feel like it conveys the idea of hiding behind the mask clearer than the other design.
I created a more glam look this time, rather than the simple makeup, as my performer is a female, so I wanted to make the look more feminine.
A fully annotated version of this design is in my Final outcome post.
Megan Hoff 